This is a discussion on Thinking of buying a WRX - couple questions within the New Member Hangout forums, part of the Community - Meet other Enthusiasts category; Hey guys,
So I used to drive a 2012 Genesis Coupe up until this week when it was flooded and ...

Thinking of buying a WRX - couple questions

Hey guys,

So I used to drive a 2012 Genesis Coupe up until this week when it was flooded and totaled Needless to say I'm in the market for a new car and I'm strongly considering a used WRX and just have a few questions.

1. I loved the Gen Coupe but my main complain with it was that it was basically unusable in any snow at all, and being in NY that's a problem. How does the WRX handle snow on all season tires? On a scale of 1-10 I'd say the Gen was a 1 or 2, what would you guys say the WRX is?

2. How do these cars age? This is going to be my fourth car in 5 years and I would really like this one to last quite a while. How do you guys feel your WRXs hold up over the years? Ay common issues? Still happy with your purchase?

3. Of course I like the speed / performance of the WRX and will definitely do some minor mods, but how is the car as a DD? Would you guys say that it's comfortable for long trips, grocery shopping, commuting, etc?

4. How is the stock clutch? The GC stock clutch is GARBAGE and started slipping at 25k and I'm not a very hard driver. Assuming you don't beat the heck out of it, what kind of mileage do you guys see on them? Will it handle the extra power of bolt-ons + tune without an issue?

I think that's it for now, thanks for any input guys. Much appreciated.

You can do less if you shop around craigslist and/or don't mind using steelies. I'm using 16" steelies and I paid ~$700 new for wheels and tires. Definitely worth it. The difference is amazing, don't know how I went my whole life without snow tires.

Kevin, I'm assuming you're from Long Island as last week, well, many people lost their cars due to flash flooding.

1- The WRX does not come with all season tires, it comes with summer rubber, so you will need to invest in a set of winter wheels/tires. Look at it this way, when in somewhat of a performance car would it be better to have one set of wheels/tires that are mediocre in all conditions, or spend the extra $1000 (less if you get used rims or steelies) and have top notch performance in the summer AND the winter? Anyway, in a nutshell, the WRX is great in the snow.

2-I've only had my car for 5 months, so I cant give you a very good answer coming from experience. However, Subarus retain their value well, and people tend to keep them till they fall apart, from all that I've gathered over the years it seems that if you take care of them they last a long time.

3- Great DD. I cant speak for the STI, bit the stock WRX has a very balanced ride (yes, it is my DD), not too soft and not stiff like a go-cart. There is minimal body roll (the 2015 has almost none, I drive a 2014), good damping and a comfortable driving position. Only minus for some people is the road noise, yeh, Subarus are minimalistic in that deportment, they all tend to have a fair amount of road noise. This doesn't bother me, but it does bother some.

4- No complaints from me, I like the clutch feel on this car (though you will have to get used to it if you've never driven an AWD manual before). My only complaint is the synchros are a bit clunky on the 5speed (IDK if this still applies to the 2015s 6speed), I feel like I can be too quick for this transmission and I had to slow down my shifts by a hair, especially into 3rd and 5th. It's a non-issue once you get used to it, but there is room for improvement.

Overall, if you want a quick AWD car, I dont think you will find more bang for your buck anywhere else... but do drive one before you make your decision.

If old gen, then heres my take. I had very similar concerns when I got my 2013.

1) I got a set of 16inch closeout rims. barely more than steelies and look a touch better. You will wonder why you never got designated winter tires in the past. Plus, your summer tires will last twice as long.
2) plenty of people here have wrx's that are 8-10 years old. The interior isn't luxury, but maintained they seem to have a long life. plenty of threads on that topic.
3) I went WRX, more of a racy DD, versus the STI with is a race car being used for DD. I commute 55 miles each way 2 or 3 times a week. I love it, heavy traffic the clutch it is a PITA, but that is standard. The seat is okay for long trips, nothing special, not as nice as my old Volvo, but to be expected. Getting there is where the WRX excels, it is just plain fun. A drivers car if you will.
4) I have 22 k on mine in 17 months, I purchased brand new. ZERO issues with the car so far, just maintenance and gas and go. I have put no mods on it, just the factory sport option (was free). There are plenty of threads summarizing how much modding you can do with a little effort. If you commit to bolt ons, everyone says start with a AP tuner or equivalent. I am 100% stock tho. Milage is consistently 25 mpg on the highway at 80mph at 5,500 ft. I haven't moved my gas tracking to my excel yet to verify.

Other items, not sure on your specific needs.

I have a rear facing toddler seat, it fits fine, and she loves the "daddy go weeee" action the WRX provides. I will be able to get my second one in, but that is all. No room for the dog or any additional persons but it is not a suburban.
Trunk storage is adequate. I also have a roof rack (as do many/most).
Heated seats work wonders in the winter.

For the record, I drove my first STI at protuned Stage 2 for 50k miles over 2 and a half years before I got rid of it (just wanted a different car at the time). It never even stuttered.

I drove my second STI for near 2 years and another 60k miles on it with Stage 2 on it until I drowned it myself. It was running excellently (the engine anyway...my rear differential had some clunking). The car ended its life with 135k miles on the clock and was still plenty powerful and reliable.

Treat the car well and take care of it, and there's no reason why it won't last every bit as long as any Honda Civic or Toyota Camry/Corolla.

I also DD'd both of them...numerous multi-hundred mile trips in each of them (one was lowered on coilovers) and had 30-mile commutes each way. Kidneys did hurt a bit after I lowered the second STI, but that's also because the 05 STI seats were some of the worst in means of support and bolster.

Not much to add - it is a great daily driver. I am so used to the suspension I really don't like cushy rides like the Impala much - with the WRX you can feel the road but it doesn't shock your sacrum.

I got my 2012 used with all weather tires (Fuzions) which have held up nicely for 20,000 miles. They are actually great summer tires, my only complaint being somewhat above average road noise, and so-so winter tires. But if you drive carefully not a big deal. They get good traction, just tend to slide in the corners, which is actually kinda fun if you're not careless. I plan on getting Blizzaks for the upcoming winter though.

Super versatile car with a lot of space. BTW another advantage of the WRX over the STI as a daily driver is the gas mileage - low to mid 20's vs teens. It's nice not having to fill up twice a week.

If you are hitting 25k, then look at new one. Base starts @27,5k. Probably you could work on price. They still have 2.9% interest on 60months.
It is good car, new is probably ready for nice ride without mods at the beginning. They claim that handling is improved.
I had wrx 2011 for 4 years and around 60k miles, never had any trouble, despite the fact that my wife killed her in a crush.
I regularly drive winter set Nov-April and live in SF area. Had only two sets of tires summer OEM and winter Michelin P3 Alpine.
It is great car, I usually have 20-30 one day ski trips to Tahoe, and with winter tires never stopped in snow. Car is the beast, although I like my 15 STi much better.
Good luck.

If you are hitting 25k, then look at new one. Base starts @27,5k. Probably you could work on price. They still have 2.9% interest on 60months.
It is good car, new is probably ready for nice ride without mods at the beginning. They claim that handling is improved.
I had wrx 2011 for 4 years and around 60k miles, never had any trouble, despite the fact that my wife killed her in a crush.
I regularly drive winter set Nov-April and live in SF area. Had only two sets of tires summer OEM and winter Michelin P3 Alpine.
It is great car, I usually have 20-30 one day ski trips to Tahoe, and with winter tires never stopped in snow. Car is the beast, although I like my 15 STi much better.
Good luck.

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